State staff backs Trestles historic listing

A surfer does an aerial at the Hurley Pro at Trestles on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

K.C. Alfred

A surfer does an aerial at the Hurley Pro at Trestles on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

A surfer does an aerial at the Hurley Pro at Trestles on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (K.C. Alfred)

There is a valuable ally in the campaign to list Trestles surf spot in north San Diego County on the National Register of Historic Places.

The staff of the state Office of Historic Preservation recommends the listing, saying in a report that “for 80 years (Trestles) has been associated with events and activities that have played a significant role in the evolution of surfing as a sport, which is an integral part of California’s identity as a beach culture.”

The recommendation goes before the eight-member State Historical Resources Commission for a vote Friday. If the commission concurs, the nomination will be forwarded to federal officials.

The military has submitted letters of opposition, as have various Orange County officials and local Republican lawmakers who support extending the state Route 241 toll road to San Onofre near Trestles.

The historical designation is believed to pose another barrier to the extension, which in 2008 was rejected by both the state Coastal Commission and federal Commerce Department. The Surfrider Foundation, an opponent of the extension, filed the application for listing.

In her report, state preservation historian Amy Crain said “Trestles was at the center of the evolution of surfing techniques and style, influenced equipment innovation and provided surfers with a sense of community and place.”

Trestles has attracted a number of pioneering surfers and was the only mainland location for the Men’s World Surfing Championship Tour. It has also drawn celebrities, including actors Clint Eastwood and James Arness. The Beach Boys included references to Trestles and San Onofre in their hit “Surfin’ USA,” Crain noted.

The application has drawn worldwide attention, including 1,233 letters of support and 111 opposed at last count.